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Wether the size of your bedroom is the equivalent of Harry Potter’s cupboard room under the stairs or borders on the expansive dimensions of A Real Housewife’s style home, we could all do with one of these rolling tables! In this tutorial, I’ll show how to build an overbed table of your own!

This overbed table kind of looks like a bath shelf.
A bath shelf that decided it wanted legs.
Then wheels too, on each of those legs.
You know, so it could roll.
Not that I believe (or care for) Darwin’s Theory of evolution. However I’m open to the idea that this process is perhaps how most rolling overbed tables are ‘ born’. Just a thought really.

I decided to shoot the photos for this project in my new studio (I’ll be sharing more details on that space soon), just because my bedroom is too small to get decent shots of this rolling table. And I want you to see it in all its glory.

This overbed table is perfect for ALL spaces. And its not just limited to over your bed , you can use it in a narrow entryway as a side table or as a shelf behind a sofa. Just remember to skip the casters. Now this project is as easy as the DIY hair pin bench tutorial many of you know and love!

Scouts honour!

WHY RONSEAL?

In case you missed the disclaimer above – this post has been sponsored by Ronseal.

. . . Can I get a moment of silence please?

It’s been a long time coming right?

I mean, when do I ever NOT use Ronseal products in my DIY projects ? (A totally rhetorical question of course – I don’t expect you to go digging in my blog archives for the answer). Just take my word for it. I use this brand a lot

HOW TO BUILD A ROLLING OVERBED TABLE:

1 . Please note this bed was made for a king size mattress without a base. The exact measurement are shown below.

When making your own overbed table, you will need to measure the width of your bed so that the table is wide enough to fit over comfortably. You will also need to measure the height of the bed – factoring in how far off the ground it would be for you (or anyone else) when sitting up.

Based on those measurements cut your wood to size The easiest way to do this is with a mitre saw.

2. Cut two of the wood planks equal length to create the table top (always use protective goggles when cutting wood). And the remaining two pieces of wood, will need to be halved into equal sets of two to make the sides of the overbed table.

Once cut, sand the edges and sides of the wood (when sanding always remember to wear a suitable face mask to prevent you from breathing in any of the sawdust)..

3. Place two of the longest wooden planks together. Apply wood glue to one side of a wooden plank for adherence

Clamps are advised at this point to help the wood adhere together better – however I did not have any to hand at the time and so went without.

4. While the glue is drying, add on the straight brackets to what will be the underside of the table. Space the brackets out evenly as seen below

5. Secure the brackets in place with screws provided.

6. Now to make the sides of the table.

Attach two pieces of wood together with wood glue (in the same way you did to make the table top above), clamp and leave to dry the recommended amount of time. The sides will be much shorter than the top of the table so enforcement with brackets is not needed for this step .

7. Place the top of the table and the sides at a right angle.

Pre drill two holes with a drill piece (smaller than the size of the screws) through the top of the wood and into the sides. (this will prevent the wood from cracking)

Screw in the screws .

Repeat this step for the other side of the overbed table.
Alternatively you can use L shape brackets – two for each of the sides.

8. Screw on the non swivel casters to the bottom of both the sides. These will allow the table to slide back and forth over your bed in a straight line and not sideways, as opposed to using swivel ones

9. Lightly sand the surface of the overbed table – this will help the varnish to stick Wipe away dust or residue

10. Now for the varnishing part. Ronseal advises applying varnish with a brush but I find using a cloth just as effective. Stir the varnish well once opened . Then wipe it on in the direction of the wood grain. Gloves are advised!
I started off with the Medium Oak varnish. I applied about two coats – sanding in between.

This is exactly what I needed last week. I started a finger knitting project. A throw made from looped yarn. It has gotten large enough that I had to sit in my bed and spread it out to work on the last several rows. I kept thinking-I need a table top over my bed! This is what I needed!

I absolutely love this! What a stylish and practical solution. I’ve ruined so many sets of bedding by trying to balance my weekend coffee on my lap and spilling it everywhere… I might have to give this a go!

Thanks for sharing! You`ve just helped me to came up with idea for the table like yours. I am mostly like your sister, I don`t spend time like this in the bed and don`t need that kind of table. But I have a friend which is an older disabled lady and something like your table would be perfect for her needs

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I love it when you share! Please keep in mind that all images and text on this site are property of Grillo Designs. Feel free to use one or two photos provided that a link back to my original post is included. Please do not remove any watermarks, crop, or edit any of my images without first obtaining written permission from me. Pinning is always welcome and appreciated! Thank you!